Pinch valve systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a pinch valve assembly include a controller, where the controller is preprogrammed with a plurality of selectable modes including a step and direction mode, a flow monitoring mode, a flow and fill mode, and an unclog mode, and an actuator assembly, the actuator assembly being controlled by the controller, an actuator, the actuator being actuated by the actuator assembly, a piston, the piston being coupled with the actuator, a valve body, the valve body being coupled with the actuator assembly, and an aperture, the aperture being formed in the valve body, wherein the aperture is configured to retain at least a portion of tubing such that fluid or gas flow within the tubing can be metered.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 15/716,006, filed Sep. 26, 2017, which is acontinuation of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/959,423,filed Dec. 4, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,803,754, issued on Oct. 31,2017, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser.No. 62/087,349, filed Dec. 4, 2014, which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the technology relate, in general, to valve technology,and in particular to pinch valves that can meter the flow of fluid orgas through tubing using a stepper motor.

BACKGROUND

In liquid filling machines for dispensing predetermined quantities ofliquid into containers, for example, valves are generally provided forcontrolling the flow of the liquids. These valves generally include aflexible hose or sleeve through which a fluid is conveyed. The flexiblehose is pinched to reduce or stop the flow therethrough. Pinching of thehose may be accomplished by applying high pressure fluid about theoutside of a portion of the hose, by mechanically compressing the hose,or by twisting the hose, etc. From the standpoint of reducing oreliminating contamination problems in liquid filling machines, pinchvalves may be particularly advantageous in that the flexible hosesprovide smooth and unobstructed passages for liquid flowing through thevalve so as to avoid or minimize the additional surfaces, cracks orseams that could trap material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be more readily understood from a detaileddescription of some example embodiments taken in conjunction with thefollowing figures:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a pinch valve system having a pinchvalve assembly, a hose positioned within the pinch valve assembly, amounting bracket, a position sensor, a controller, and associated cablesin accordance with versions described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the pinch valve assembly shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a right side exploded view of the pinch valve assemblyshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts a right side view of the pinch valve assembly shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of the pinch valve assembly ofFIG. 4 taken along reference line A-A in accordance with versionsdescribed herein.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the pinch valve assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7A-7D depict a right side view of a plurality of differently sizedpinch valve assemblies in accordance with versions described herein.

FIG. 8 depicts a front view of the pinch valve assembly and associatedhose of FIG. 1 shown with a piston fully retracted such that the hose isnot compressed.

FIG. 9 depicts a front view of the pinch valve assembly and associatedhose of FIG. 8 shown with the piston partially extended such that thehose is partially compressed.

FIG. 10 depicts a front view of the pinch valve assembly and associatedhose of FIG. 8 shown with the piston fully extended such that the hoseis fully compressed.

FIG. 11 depicts a front cross-sectional view of the pinch valve assemblyshown in FIG. 5 in combination with a position sensor such that thepinch valve assembly can ascertain the position of an associated pistonwithin the valve body.

FIG. 12 depicts a schematic of a stepper motor controlled via a bi-polarchopper drive according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 depicts a flow chart of a method of operation for a pinch valvesystem according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 depicts a flow chart of a method including a “Step andDirection” mode according to one embodiment.

FIG. 15 depicts a flow chart of a method including a “Flow Monitoring”mode according to one embodiment.

FIG. 16 depicts a flow chart of a method including a “Flow and Fill”mode according to one embodiment.

FIG. 17 depicts a flow chart of a method including an “Unclog” modeaccording to one embodiment.

SUMMARY

Embodiments can include a pinch valve assembly including a controller,an actuator assembly, the actuator assembly including a stepper motor,where the stepper motor is coupled to the controller such that thestepper motor is controlled by the controller, a leadscrew, theleadscrew being actuated by the stepper motor such that the leadscrewtravels in a plurality of incremental linear steps in a first directionand a second direction, a piston, the piston being coupled with theleadscrew such that relative movement of the leadscrew is transferred tothe piston, where the piston includes a projection, a valve body, thevalve body being coupled with the actuator assembly, where the pistontravels in the first direction and the second direction within a boredefined by the valve body, a slotted aperture, the slotted aperturebeing formed in the valve body and having a slotted portion and asubstantially annular portion, where the substantially annular portionis configured to retain at least a portion of tubing, and a pin, the pinbeing inserted into the valve body, where the projection of the pistonand the pin are configured to pinch tubing therebetween such that flowwithin the tubing can be metered.

Embodiments can include a pinch valve assembly including a controller,where the controller is preprogrammed with a plurality of selectablemodes including a step and direction mode, a flow monitoring mode, aflow and fill mode, and an unclog mode. The pinch valve assemblyincludes an actuator assembly, the actuator assembly including a steppermotor, where the stepper motor is coupled to the controller such thatthe stepper motor is controlled by the controller, a leadscrew, theleadscrew being actuated by the stepper motor such that the leadscrewtravels in a plurality of incremental linear steps in a first directionand a second direction in response to the plurality of selectable modes,a piston, the piston being coupled with the leadscrew such that relativemovement of the leadscrew is transferred to the piston, a valve body,the valve body being coupled with the actuator assembly, where thepiston travels in the first direction and the second direction within abore defined by the valve body, and an aperture, the aperture beingformed in the valve body, where the aperture is configured to retain atleast a portion of tubing such that fluid or gas flow within the tubingcan be metered.

Embodiments of a pinch valve assembly can include a controller, wherethe controller is preprogrammed with a plurality of selectable modesincluding a step and direction mode, a flow monitoring mode, a flow andfill mode, and an unclog mode. Embodiments can include an actuatorassembly, the actuator assembly including a stepper motor, where thestepper motor is coupled to the controller such that the stepper motoris controlled by the controller, a leadscrew, the leadscrew beingactuated by the stepper motor such that the leadscrew travels in aplurality of incremental linear steps of about 0.0005 inches in a firstdirection and a second direction, a piston, the piston being coupledwith the leadscrew such that relative movement of the leadscrew istransferred to the piston, where the piston includes a projection, acylindrical valve body, the cylindrical valve body being coupled withthe actuator assembly, where the piston travels in the first directionand the second direction within a bore defined by the cylindrical valvebody, a slotted aperture, the slotted aperture being formed in a lowerportion of the cylindrical valve body and having a slotted portion and asubstantially annular portion, where the substantially annular portionis configured to retain tubing, and a dowel pin, the dowel pin beinginserted into the valve body, where the projection of the piston and thedowel pin cooperate to pinch the tubing therebetween such that flowwithin the tubing can be metered by the controller in accordance withthe plurality of selectable modes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now bedescribed to provide an overall understanding of the principles of thestructure, function, and use of the apparatuses, systems, methods, andprocesses disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limitingembodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those ofordinary skill in the art will understand that systems and methodsspecifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated ordescribed in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combinedwith the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modificationsand variations are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “someembodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one exampleembodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,”“some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “in anembodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particularfeatures, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitablemanner in one or more embodiments.

Described herein are example embodiments of apparatuses, systems, andmethods for pinch valve assemblies, systems, and methods. In one exampleembodiment, a pinch valve assembly can be controlled by a stepper motorand can include a piston that travels in 0.0005″ incremental linearsteps. Such a system can allow for extremely fine metering control ofthe fluid or gas passing through an associated tube or hosing. A pistonassociated with an actuator or leadscrew of the pinch valve assembly canbe designed to compress the associated tubing and can be non-backdrivable such that the piston only moves when it is energized.Electrical power may only be required to change piston position in oneembodiment, which can be described as “fail in place”. Suchfunctionality can be beneficial in remote (i.e., off the grid)applications where automated flow control is desired or in criticalapplications where flow must not be affected by system power failure.Examples of industries where such a system may be useful includemedical, water desalination, distilleries, breweries, food and beverage,laboratory equipment

The examples discussed herein are examples only and are provided toassist in the explanation of the apparatuses, devices, systems andmethods described herein. None of the features or components shown inthe drawings or discussed below should be taken as mandatory for anyspecific implementation of any of these the apparatuses, devices,systems or methods unless specifically designated as mandatory. For easeof reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may bedescribed solely in connection with a specific figure. Any failure tospecifically describe a combination or sub-combination of componentsshould not be understood as an indication that any combination orsub-combination is not possible. Also, for any methods described,regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flowdiagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified orrequired by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of stepsperformed in the execution of a method does not imply that those stepsmust be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed ina different order or in parallel.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a pinchvalve system 30 that can include a pinch valve assembly 32, tubing 34retained at least partially within a slotted aperture 36 defined by thepinch valve assembly 32, a mounting bracket 38, and a controller 40 thatcan be coupled to the pinch valve assembly 32 with a first cable 42,second cable 44, and third cable 46. The controller 40 can be programmedto control the pinch valve assembly 32 such that fluid or gas flowthrough the tubing 34 can be controlled in accordance with methodsdescribed herein. The pinch valve system 30 may improve the control overfluid flow in applications, such as medical applications, whereprecision is critical. The pinch valve system 30 can also be non-backdrivable such that the tubing 34 can be compressed to a pre-determinedlevel and retained at such a level even if power is lost. Such featuresmay be useful in applications where constant fluid or gas control isdesired, but where sources of power are limited or unreliable.

The pinch valve controller 40 can be accessed via any suitabletechnique, such as a web-browser such as SAFARI, OPERA, GOOGLE CHROME,INTERNET EXPLORER, or the like executing on a client device. In someembodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be a web-basedapplication or a stand-alone executable. Any suitable client device canbe used to access, execute, or act as a “primary controller” for thepinch valve controller 40, such as laptop computers, desktop computers,smart phones, tablet computers, and the like via port or access point48, or any other suitable mechanism of communication.

In general, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art thatat least some of the embodiments described herein can be implemented inmany different embodiments of software, firmware, and/or hardware. Thesoftware and firmware code can be executed by the controller 40 or anyother similar computing device. The software code or specialized controlhardware that can be used to implement embodiments is not limiting. Forexample, embodiments described herein can be implemented using computersoftware using any suitable computer software language type, using, forexample, conventional or object-oriented techniques. Such software canbe stored on any type of suitable computer-readable medium or media,such as, for example, a magnetic or optical storage medium. Theoperation and behavior of the embodiments can be described withoutspecific reference to specific software code or specialized hardwarecomponents. The absence of such specific references is feasible, becauseit is clearly understood that artisans of ordinary skill would be ableto design software and control hardware to implement the embodimentsbased on the present description with no more than reasonable effort andwithout undue experimentation.

It can also be appreciated that certain portions of the processesdescribed herein can be performed using instructions stored on acomputer-readable medium or media that direct a computer system toperform the process steps. A computer-readable medium can include, forexample, memory devices such as diskettes, compact discs (CDs), digitalversatile discs (DVDs), optical disk drives, or hard disk drives. Acomputer-readable medium can also include memory storage that isphysical, virtual, permanent, temporary, semi-permanent, and/orsemi-temporary.

The controller 40 can include any suitable processor, microcomputer,minicomputer, server, mainframe, laptop, personal data assistant (PDA),wireless e-mail device, cellular phone, pager, processor, fax machine,scanner, or any other programmable device configured to transmit and/orreceive data over a network. Computer systems and computer-based devicesdisclosed herein can include memory for storing certain software modulesused in obtaining, processing, and communicating information. It can beappreciated that such memory can be internal or external with respect tooperation of the disclosed embodiments. The memory can also include anymeans for storing software, including a hard disk, an optical disk,floppy disk, ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM(programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM) and/or othercomputer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media, as usedherein, comprises all computer-readable media except for a transitory,propagating signal.

It will be appreciated that the controller 40 can communicate with thepinch valve assembly 32 via one or a plurality of cables 42, 44, 46, orcan be configured to wirelessly communicate with the pinch valveassembly 32. Wireless communication can occur, for example, over a localarea network (LAN), BLUETOOTH, or by any other suitable mechanism.

Referring to FIGS. 2-6, one embodiment of the pinch valve assembly 32 isshown. Referring to FIG. 3, the pinch valve assembly 32 can include anactuator assembly 50 that can include a leadscrew 52, a piston adapter54 that can be engaged with the leadscrew 52, an elastomeric seal 56, apiston 58, a valve body 60, and a dowel pin 62. The leadscrew 52 can bethreaded into the piston adapter 54 in one embodiment. The actuatorassembly 50 can include a bracket 64 that can be used to couple thepinch valve assembly 32 to any suitable structure. As shown in moredetail with respect to FIG. 5, the actuator assembly 50 can include alinear actuator which can include a stepper motor with an integratedleadscrew. Providing the actuator assembly 50 with a stepper motor canallow for granular control over the positioning of the leadscrew andassociated piston such that tubing positioned within the pinch valveassembly 32 can be compressed to adjust fluid or gas flow as desired.The actuator assembly 50 can include a port 66 that can be configuredfor attachment with the cable 42 for communication with the controller40 such that the controller 40 can control the stepper motor andassociated leadscrew, in one embodiment. It will be appreciated that theactuator assembly can include any suitable mechanism, including variouslinear actuators, in accordance with versions described herein. The useof servo linear actuators as well as piezo linear actuators arecontemplated.

Referring to FIG. 3, the pinch valve assembly 32 can include a pistonadapter 54 that can attach the leadscrew 52 to the piston 58. The piston58 can include an annular channel 68 that can be sized to accommodatethe elastomeric seal 56. The valve body 60 can be a tubular metalstructure sized to receive the piston 58 such that the piston can travelwithin the bore 70 defined by the valve body 60. The piston 58 andelastomeric seal 56 can be sized to create a seal in cooperation withthe valve body 60. It will be appreciated that any suitable structure ormechanism for translating the motion of the leadscrew 52 to the piston58 is contemplated.

During assembly, the linear actuator 50 can be inserted into the bore 70defined by the valve body 60 and can be secured via any suitableadhesive or with a mechanical fastener, for example. The leadscrew 52 ofthe linear actuator 50 can be threaded and can engage correspondingthreading on the adapter 54 to facilitate coupling. The outside diameter72 of the adapter 54 can be inserted into the counter bore 74 of thepiston 58. Proximate the lower or bottom end 76 of the valve body 60,the valve body 60 can define a slotted aperture 36 that can be machinedin the valve body 60. The slotted aperture 36 can include asubstantially annular portion 78 that can retain tubing 34 (FIG. 1) anda lateral portion 80 that can be used to insert the tubing 34 into theannular portion 78 of the slotted aperture 36. The lateral portion 80can have a width that is less than the diameter of the annular portion78 such that the tubing 34 is easily retained within the annular portion78. It will be appreciated that any configuration for the slottedaperture 36 is contemplated. It will be appreciated that the slottedaperture 36 can include a closure mechanism or other feature to retainthe tubing within the aperture.

The valve body 60 can further define a first pin aperture 82 (FIG. 2)and a second pin aperture 84 (FIG. 3) that can be sized to accept firstend 86 and second end 88 of the dowel pin 62, respectively. Wheninserted, the dowel pin 62 can be substantially perpendicular to acentral axis of the annular portion 78 of the slotted aperture 36. Thefirst end 86 of the dowel pin 62 can have an outer diameter sized tomate with the first pin aperture 82 and the second end 88 of the dowelpin 62 can have an outer diameter sized to mate with the second pinaperture 84, where the first pin aperture 82 can have a smaller innerdiameter than the second pin aperture 84. In this manner, the dowel pin62 can be inserted through the second pin aperture 84 until the dowelpin engages and is stopped by the smaller diameter first pin aperture82. The dowel pin 62 can have any suitable outer diameter and, in oneembodiment, the outer diameter of the dowel pin 62 can be such that theouter diameter of the dowel pin 62 is substantially tangent the annularportion 78 of the slotted aperture 36. In this manner, when the tubing34 is inserted into the annular portion 78 of the slotted aperture, thetubing can rest upon the outer diameter of the dowel pin 62. Duringoperation, the piston 58 can compress the tubing 34 against the dowelpin 62 to restrict fluid or gas flow as shown in FIGS. 8-10. The dowelpin 62 can be fixedly coupled with the valve body 60, can be integralwith the valve body 60, can be selectively removable from the valve body60, and can have any suitable shape or configuration in accordance withversions described herein. In one version, differently sized and/orshaped pins can be selectively engaged with the same valve body suchthat different pins can be associated with different tubing used withthe pinch valve assembly 30.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7D, a plurality of pinch valve assemblies 32 areshow illustrating that any suitable sizing of the slotted aperture 36 iscontemplated. For example, the diameter of the annular portion 78 can beabout 0.125 inches, about 0.250 inches, about 0.375 inches, about 0.500inches, from about 0.100 inches to about 1.0 inches, from about 0.250 toabout 0.750 inches, or any other suitable dimension. The pinch valveassemblies 32 can have any suitable length such as for example, about1.0 inches, about 2.0 inches, about 3.310 inches, from about 1.0 inchesto about 5.0 inches, from about 1.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, or anysuitable dimension.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11, the pinch valve assembly 32, in oneembodiment, can include a sensor bracket 92 that can be coupled to thevalve body 60 as shown in FIG. 1. The sensor bracket 92 can include anadjustable position sensor 94 that can communicate with the controller40 via cable 46. As shown in FIG. 11, the piston can include a pistonmagnet 96, for example a rare earth piston magnet, such that relativemovement of the piston magnet 96 can indicate via the position sensor 92where the piston 58 is positioned relative to the valve body 60.Feedback regarding the position of the piston 58 can be communicated ina loop back to the controller 40 such that adjustments can be made viathe actuator assembly 50 as appropriate to maintain the proper flowthrough the tubing 34 (FIG. 9, for example). Providing a feedback loopsuch as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 11 can allow the controller 40 toautomatically adjust to maintain desired flow characteristics asdifferent pistons or replacement pistons are inserted or engaged withthe valve assembly 32.

Referring to FIG. 12, the actuator assembly 50 and/or stepper motor canbe controlled via a bi-polar chopper drive as illustrated schematically.The controller 40 can have a programmable and non-programmable mode, forexample. Functioning in the non-programmable mode, the valve assembly 32can behave like a standard bi-polar stepper drive. In the programmablemode, the operator can connect the controller 40 to a computer ornetwork and can adjust the pinch valve assembly 32 operating parametersbased upon flow requirements for a specific task. When this is complete,the controller 40 can then be disconnected from the external computer orclient device for operation.

Referring to FIG. 13, a method 200 for operation of a pinch valve system30 is disclosed. Step 202 can include providing a pinch valve system 30,which can include a pinch valve assembly 32, a controller 40, tubing 34,and/or any other suitable components (FIG. 1). Step 204 can includeengaging the tubing 34 with the pinch valve assembly 32 such as, forexample, by sliding the tubing 34 through the lateral portion 80 of theslotted aperture 36 until the tubing is substantially coaxial with theannular portion 78 (FIGS. 3 and 8). The tubing 34 can include a softpliable tube having, for example an outer diameter of from about 0.125inches to about 0.500 inches. It will be appreciate that any suitabletype and configuration of tubing is contemplated. Step 206 can includeprogramming the controller 40 to select a desired rate of flow withinthe tubing 34, where such programming can be entered by any clientdevice, can be entered remotely, can be entered in accordance withpre-programmed specification, or the like. Step 206 can includetransmitting the instructions from the controller 40 via a cable 32 tothe actuator assembly 50, where the actuator assembly can include astepper motor (FIG. 5).

Still referring to FIG. 13, a Method 200 can include Step 208 ofmetering fluid flow, where Step 208 can include energizing the actuatorassembly 50 such that the leadscrew 52 can extend and correspondinglymove the piston 58 towards the tubing 34 (FIG. 9). As the piston 58contacts the tubing 34, the tubing 34 can begin to collapse or pinchbetween the ridge 90 (FIG. 5) of the piston 58 and the stationary dowelpin 62, where the dowel pin 62 can be positioned underneath the tubing34, in one embodiment. As the piston 58 travels farther down the bore70, the tubing 34 can become increasingly pinched, thus metering thefluid within the tubing 34 in accordance with the controller 40programming. As shown in FIG. 10, the piston 58 can substantially orcompletely cut off fluid flow within the tubing 34 when fully extended.

Step 208 of metering the fluid flow can be controlled by the actuatorassembly 50, which can include a stepper motor (FIG. 5), where thepiston can travel in 0.0005 inch incremental linear steps, for example.Incremental linear steps can be about 0.001 inches, about 0.002 inches,0.004 inches, from about 0.0005 to about 0.005 inches, or any othersuitable distance. This can allow for extremely fine metering control ofthe fluid and/or gas passing through the tubing 34. The leadscrew 52 ofthe actuator assembly 50 can be designed to be non-back drivable suchthat if power is lost the fluid will be metered or controlled at themost recently designated level. Said differently, in one embodiment thepiston 58 can be configured such that it only moves when energized. Insuch embodiments, electrical power may only be required to change piston58 position relative to the valve body 60. Such a system can beconsidered “fail in place”, which can be beneficial in remoteapplications where automated flow control is desired or in criticalapplications where flow must not be affected by system power failure.

Referring to FIG. 14, one embodiment of a method 300 for providing a“Step and Direction” mode of a pinch valve assembly 32 incorporating astepper motor is shown. The method 300 can include a “Start” Step 302,where Step 302 can include initiating the controller 40 of the pinchvalve assembly for use. Step 304 can include a query as to whether the“Step and Direction” mode is selected via the controller 40, where ifthe response to the query is “no” the method 300 can proceed to Step 306and loop back to Step 304 until the “Step and Direction” mode isselected. Upon selecting the “Step and Direction” mode via thecontroller 40, the method 300 can proceed to Step 308, which can includethe controller 40 receiving a step count, and Step 310, which caninclude the controller 40 receiving a direction of rotation. Thecontroller 40 can receive or pre-programmed with such information fromany suitable source as described in accordance with versions herein. Themethod 300 can proceed to Step 312, where the controller can output thestep count and direction of rotation to the actuator assembly 50 suchthat the stepper motor actuates the leadscrew 52 the proper distance inthe proper direction. It will be appreciated that any suitable steppermotor, such as the HAYDON KERK model G4 25000 series actuator, can beused in association with the pinch valve system 30. In one embodiment,in accordance with method 300, the controller 40 can be pre-programmedwith the specifications of the specific stepper motor associated withthe valve assembly 32. In this manner, the controller 40 can receiveinstructions regarding change in flow and the controller can output theappropriate step count and direction to the actuator assembly 50associated with the desired flow change based upon the stepper motorspecifications.

Referring to FIG. 15, one embodiment of a method 400 for controlling apinch valve assembly 32 based upon fluid flow is shown. The method 400can include a “Start” Step 402, where Step 402 can include initiatingthe controller 40 of the pinch valve system 30 for use. Step 404 caninclude a query as to whether the “Flow Monitoring” mode is selected viathe controller 40, where if the response to the query is “no” the method400 can proceed to Step 406 and loop back to Step 404 until the “FlowMonitoring” mode is selected. Upon selecting the “Flow Monitoring” modevia the controller 40, the method 400 can proceed to set-up Step 408,which can include the controller 40 receiving a target flow rate input,Step 410, which can include the controller 40 receiving information onthe valve velocity and incremental “X” steps inputs, and Step 412, whichcan include the controller 40 receiving a flow monitoring frequency.After completion of the set-up phase, the method 400 can proceed to Step414, which can include the operational mode for the “Flow Monitoring”mode. During operation, Step 416 of the method 400 can include thecontroller 40 receiving flow data and comparing the flow data againstthe target flow rate. If the received flow data is within the targetrange the method 400 can proceed to Step 418 and continue to loop suchthat the flow is continually monitored.

If the received flow data is outside of the target range, the method 400can proceed to Step 420 and ascertain if the flow is too low. If theflow is too low then the method 400 can proceed to Step 422, where thecontroller 40 can instruct the stepper motor of the actuator assembly 50to open by a predetermined number of steps. The method 400 can, inaccordance with Step 424, loop back to Step 416 and query whether theflow meter is now within the pre-determined target range. Referring backto Step 420, if the flow is not too low the method 400 can proceed tostep 426, where the controller 40 can instruct the stepper motor of theactuator assembly 50 to close by a predetermined number of steps. Themethod 400 can, in accordance with Step 428, loop back to Step 416 andquery whether the flow meter is now within the pre-determined targetrange.

It will be appreciated that the flow meter (not shown) associated withmethod 400 can be any suitable flow meter that can be associated withthe tubing 34 or otherwise associated with the pinch valve system 30.The flow meter can communicate with the controller 40 via a cable (notshown) or wirelessly. In one embodiment, the controller 40 can receiveflow input data from a flow meter via an analog input on the controller40.

Referring to FIG. 16, one embodiment of a method 500 is shown where thepinch valve assembly 30 can be calibrated using a “Flow and Fill” mode.The method 500 can include a “Start” Step 502, where Step 502 caninclude initiating the controller 40 of the pinch valve assembly foruse. Step 504 can include a query as to whether the “Flow and Fill” modeis selected via the controller 40, where if the response to the query is“no” the method 500 can proceed to Step 506 and loop back to Step 504until the “Flow and Fill” mode is selected. Upon selecting the “Flow andFill” mode via the controller 40, the method 500 can proceed to beginset-up Step 508, where the set-up phase can include Steps 508-518. Step510 can include providing and installing a flow meter (not shown)upstream of the pinch valve assembly 32. Step 512 can include providingthe controller 40 with an optimal instantaneous flow rate. Step 514 caninclude providing the controller 40 with a volumetric flow target oraccumulative flow volume, where such a target can be in any measurementunit such as gallons, liters, or the like. Step 516 can includeproviding the controller 40 with information regarding the actuatorassembly 50 and an associated stepper motor, where information regardinghow much lateral movement is translated to the leadscrew 52 for eachstep of the stepper motor can be input. Based upon the informationcollected in set-up Steps 508-516, the method 500 can proceed togenerate a flow characterization in accordance with Step 518.

Still referring to FIG. 16, the method 500 can include Steps 520-548associated with establishing a flow characterization for a pinch valvesystem 30. It will be appreciated that, in one embodiment, the set-upSteps 508-516 have been completed in advance of proceeding to Step 520,but any suitable arrangement or order of steps in contemplated. Step 520can begin the flow characterization procedure and the method 500 canproceed to Step 522, which can include cycling the piston 58 associatedwith the pinch valve assembly 32 to a fully “closed” position (e.g.,FIG. 10) about a section of tubing 34. Step 524 can include thecontroller 40 communicating with the actuator assembly 50 such that thepiston 58 is opened via a predetermined number of steps “X” of anassociated stepper motor. Step 526 can include recording the flow ratethrough the tubing 34 when the piston 58 is partially opened asdescribed in Step 524. Step 528 can include querying whether the piston58 is in a fully “open” position (e.g., FIG. 8), where the controller 40can determine if the piston 58 is in a fully open position, for example,with a home limit sensor 98 positioned on the actuator assembly 50. Thehome limit sensor 98 can be coupled to the controller with a cable 44(FIG. 1), for example. If the piston 58 is not fully open, the method500 can proceed to Step 530 and can loop back to Step 524. If the piston58 is fully open the method 500 can proceed to Step 532 where the pistoncan be closed via a predetermined number of steps “X” of the associatedstepper motor. After partially closing the piston 58 in accordance withStep 532 the method 500 can proceed to Step 534 where the flow rate isrecorded through the associated tubing 34. The method 500 can thenproceed to Step 536 and query whether the piston 58 has been fullyclosed, which can be determined by a position sensor 94 (FIG. 1) or anyother suitable mechanism. If the piston has not been fully closed themethod 500 can proceed to Step 542 and loop back to Step 532. In thismanner, the method 500 can be used to measure and record the flow ratethrough the tubing 34 for pre-determined steps associated with theoperation of the stepper motor. The controller 40, once programmed withthe flow rates associated with each step, can accurately adjust theactuator assembly 50 during operating to insure that the optimal flowrate associated with Step 512 is achieved at all times.

Still referring to FIG. 16, the method 500 can include step 538 wherethe pinch valve assembly 32 can be evaluated through two or more full“open” and “closed” cycles to validate the flow rates associated witheach position of the piston 58 and step of the stepper motor. After apre-determined number of such loops are achieved, the method 500 canproceed to Step 544 where the flow characterization phase can beterminated. Step 546 can include removing the flow meter and Step 548can include exiting the set-up phase.

Referring to FIG. 16, the method 500 can include “run” Steps 550-562,where the “run” phase of method 500 can be used to fill a plurality ofvessels (not shown) to a pre-determined volume using an optimal flowrate. In this manner, the pinch valve system 30 can be used toaccurately and efficiently fill any suitable number of vessels orcontainers to any suitable volume. Step 550 can begin the “run” processand Step 552 can include opening the piston 58 to the optimal flow rate,where the optimal flow rate was input, for example, in Step 510 and theappropriate position of the piston 58 to achieve the optimal flow ratewas determined during Steps 520-548, for example. The method 500 canthen proceed to Step 554 where a timer (not shown) can be started and toStep 556 where information regarding flow rate and cumulative volumetricflow is output. Step 558 can include the controller 40 determiningwhether the volumetric flow level, which was input in accordance withStep 514, for example, has been reached. The volume can be calculatedusing the timer data and flow rate information output in accordance withStep 556. If the volumetric flow level has not been reached, the method500 can proceed to Step 560 and loop back to Step 552. If the volumetricflow level target has been reached then the method 500 can proceed toStep 562 and can close the piston 58 completely (FIG. 10). The method500 can then return to “run” Step 550 and repeat the run phase until adesired number of vessels or containers have been filled.

FIG. 17 discloses one embodiment of a method 600 where the pinch valvesystem 30 can be used in an “Unclog” mode. This mode can be used withany of the other modes disclosed herein. Such a mode can allow thecontroller 40 to periodically cycle the piston 58 fully open, forexample, to eliminate clogging of tubing 34 and then return the piston58 to a set position. The “Unclog” mode may be beneficial when viscousslurry is flowing through tubing 34 and/or where a blockage coulddevelop. The method 600 can include a “Start” Step 602, where Step 602can include initiating the controller 40 of the pinch valve assembly 32for use. Step 604 can include a query as to whether the “Unclog” mode isselected via the controller 40, where if the response to the query is“no” the method 600 can proceed to Step 606 and loop back to Step 604until the “Unclog” mode is selected. Upon selecting the “Unclog” modevia the controller 40, the method 600 can proceed to set-up Steps608-612. Step 608 can include providing a first timer associated withthe controller 40 with a pre-determined frequency for running the“Unclog” cycle. Step 610 can include inputting the piston 58 velocity.Step 612 can include providing a second timer associated with thecontroller 40 with a desired time period for the piston 58 to remainfully open (e.g., FIG. 8). Upon completion of the set-up Steps 608-612the method can proceed to Step 614 and begin the “Unclog” cycle.

Still referring to FIG. 17, the method 600 can include “run” Steps616-632. Step 616 can include starting the first timer associated withthe controller 40. Step 618 can include querying whether the timer hasreached the pre-determined period input in accordance with Step 608. Ifthe pre-determined time period has not been reached the method 600 canproceed to Step 620 and loop back to Step 616. If the time interval ofStep 608 has been reached then the method 600 can proceed to Step 622,which can include the controller 40 transitioning the piston 58 to afully “open” position (e.g., FIG. 8). The method 500 can proceed to Step624, which can include starting the second timer associated with Step612. The method 600 can proceed to Step 626, which can include queryingwhether the pre-determined time interval associated with Step 612 hasbeen reached. If the time interval has not been reached then the method600 can proceed to Step 628 and loop back to Step 626. If the timeinterval has been reached then the method can proceed to Step 630, whichcan include resetting the position of the piston 58 to its priorposition. The piston 58 can be transitioned to a position, for example,where it is maintaining the flow through tubing 34 at an optimal flowrate. The method 600 can proceed to Step 632 and loop back to Step 618to determine if another “Unclog” cycle should be initiated. It will beappreciated that any suitable number of “Unclog” cycles arecontemplated. It will be appreciated that any suitable movement andduration of movement associated with the piston can be associated withan “Unclog” cycle.

In various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component can bereplaced by multiple components and multiple components can be replacedby a single component to perform a given function or functions. Exceptwhere such substitution would not be operative, such substitution iswithin the intended scope of the embodiments.

Some of the figures can include a flow diagram. Although such figurescan include a particular logic flow, it can be appreciated that thelogic flow merely provides an exemplary implementation of the generalfunctionality. Further, the logic flow does not necessarily have to beexecuted in the order presented unless otherwise indicated. In addition,the logic flow can be implemented by a hardware element, a softwareelement executed by a computer, a firmware element embedded in hardware,or any combination thereof.

The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modificationsare possible in light of the above teachings. Some of thosemodifications have been discussed, and others will be understood bythose skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described inorder to best illustrate principles of various embodiments as are suitedto particular uses contemplated. The scope is, of course, not limited tothe examples set forth herein, but can be employed in any number ofapplications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in theart. Rather it is hereby intended the scope of the invention to bedefined by the claims appended hereto.

We claim:
 1. A pinch valve assembly comprising: a. a controller, whereinthe controller is preprogrammed at least one selectable mode including aflow monitoring mode or a flow and fill mode; b. an actuator assembly,the actuator assembly being coupled to the controller such that theactuator assembly is controlled by the controller; c. an actuator, theactuator being actuated by the actuator assembly such that the actuatortravels in a plurality of incremental steps in a first direction and asecond direction in response to the at least one selectable mode; d. apiston, the piston being coupled with the actuator such that relativemovement of the actuator is transferred to the piston; e. a valve body,the valve body being coupled with the actuator assembly, wherein thepiston travels in the first direction and the second direction within abore defined by the valve body; and f. an aperture, the aperture beingformed in the valve body, wherein the aperture is configured to retainat least a portion of tubing such that fluid or gas flow within theportion of tubing can be metered.
 2. The pinch valve assembly of claim1, wherein the actuator is non-back drivable.
 3. The pinch valveassembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of incremental steps are0.0005 inches in the first direction and the second direction.
 4. Thepinch valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of incrementalsteps are from 0.001 inches to 0.0005 inches in the first direction andthe second direction.
 5. The pinch valve assembly of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of incremental steps are from 0.002 inches to 0.004 inchesin the first direction and the second direction.
 6. The pinch valveassembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of incremental steps are from0.005 inches to 0.0005 inches in the first direction and the seconddirection.
 7. The pinch valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the piston isonly moveable when the piston is energized.
 8. The pinch valve assemblyof claim 1, wherein the controller is operably configured to receive astep count and a direction of rotation in a step and direction mode. 9.The pinch valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the controller is operablyconfigured to receive a target flow rate input and a flow monitoringfrequency in the flow monitoring mode.
 10. The pinch valve assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is operably configured to receive anoptimal instantaneous flow rate and a volumetric flow target in the flowand fill mode.
 11. A pinch valve assembly comprising: a. a controller,wherein the controller is preprogrammed with at least one mode; b. anactuator assembly, the actuator assembly being coupled to the controllersuch that actuator assembly is controlled by the controller; c. anactuator, the actuator being actuated by the actuator assembly such thatthe actuator travels in a plurality of incremental linear steps in afirst direction and a second direction; d. a piston, the piston beingcoupled with the actuator such that relative movement of the actuator istransferred to the piston, wherein the piston includes a projection; e.a valve body, the valve body being coupled with the actuator assembly,wherein the piston travels in the first direction and the seconddirection within a bore defined by the valve body; f. a slottedaperture, the slotted aperture being formed in a lower portion of thevalve body and having a slotted portion and a substantially annularportion, wherein the substantially annular portion is configured toretain tubing; and g. a dowel pin, the dowel pin being inserted into thevalve body, wherein the projection of the piston and the dowel pincooperate to pinch the tubing therebetween such that flow within thetubing can be metered by the controller in accordance with the at leastone mode.
 12. The pinch valve assembly of claim 11, wherein theplurality of incremental linear steps are 0.0005 inches to 0.002 inchesin the first direction and the second direction.
 13. The pinch valveassembly of claim 11, wherein the plurality of incremental linear stepsare from 0.001 inches to 0.0005 inches in the first direction and thesecond direction.
 14. The pinch valve assembly of claim 11, wherein theplurality of incremental linear steps are from 0.002 inches to 0.004inches in the first direction and the second direction.
 15. The pinchvalve assembly of claim 11, wherein the plurality of incremental linearsteps are from 0.005 inches to 0.0005 inches in the first direction andthe second direction.
 16. The pinch valve assembly of claim 11, whereinthe piston is only moveable when the piston is energized.
 17. The pinchvalve assembly of claim 11, wherein the controller is operablyconfigured to receive a step count and a direction of rotation in a stepand direction mode.
 18. The pinch valve assembly of claim 11, whereinthe controller is operably configured to receive a target flow rateinput and a flow monitoring frequency in a flow monitoring mode.
 19. Thepinch valve assembly of claim 11, wherein the controller is operablyconfigured to receive an optimal instantaneous flow rate and avolumetric flow target in the flow and fill mode.
 20. A pinch valveassembly comprising: a. a controller, wherein the controller ispreprogrammed with a flow monitoring mode or a flow and fill mode; b. anactuator assembly, the actuator assembly being coupled to the controllersuch that actuator assembly is controlled by the controller; c. anactuator, the actuator being actuated by the actuator assembly such thatthe actuator travels in a plurality of incremental linear steps in afirst direction and a second direction; d. a piston, the piston beingcoupled with the actuator such that relative movement of the actuator istransferred to the piston, wherein the piston includes a projection; e.a valve body, the valve body being coupled with the actuator assembly,wherein the piston travels in the first direction and the seconddirection within a bore defined by the valve body; f. a slottedaperture, the slotted aperture being formed in a lower portion of thevalve body and having a slotted portion and a substantially annularportion, wherein the substantially annular portion is configured toretain tubing; and g. a dowel pin, the dowel pin being inserted into thevalve body, wherein the projection of the piston and the dowel pincooperate to pinch the tubing therebetween such that flow within thetubing can be metered by the controller.